Are you annoyed by the influx of direct sales people who seem to have surfaced within the last several years?

If so, why is that? 

I'm not a direct sales representative, but I do respect their pursuit. Being self-employed and owning two successful businesses myself, I respect those who are trying to achieve the pleasures that sweet freedom brings. I admire those who have the courage to take the risk all in hopes of the gain. They are tired of working for someone else, they crave independence, and most importantly, they want to be home with their families; who wouldn't want to work from the comfort of their own home with endless cups of coffee at arms reach?

I'm going to share a different perspective that may change how you view direct sales companies.

By bringing the experience to your doorstep and offering products that can't be found anywhere else, the more than 10,000 direct sales companies worldwide remove the task of having to leave your home to shop. Many direct sales representatives are knowledgeable about the products they sell and have invested their time, money and energy to add value to the services they're providing their customers.

So perhaps instead of having an emotional attachment and being triggered by what you see or hear from direct sales reps, try listening and observing without judgement; it doesn't have to be viewed with any 'negative' label or limiting belief. It's a matter of someone working hard on their success in order to make a living on their own terms.

I'm sure you have heard a story or two regarding shady direct sales companies and their practices, but the same can be said in regards to other so-called reputable businesses or companies. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life.

Everyone is as busy as they want to be when it comes to their success, and a career in direct sales is an opportunity for those who want to work from home and be there for their families. The details and job description may be different than yours, but the intention is the same.  To make a living and to be happy while doing so.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
~ Thomas Edison

Many direct sales reps have reported an increase in their self esteem and self confidence, and have seen improvement in their professional and sales skills. It is also a huge bonus that their lives become more flexible by having the ability to set their own schedule.

Now what can be a bit of an annoyance is those Facebook friend requests with an instant invite or add to a group. Most people I have talked to about this appreciate a friendly message first to ask the person about themselves and their business. It's important to build relationships and connect with people on a personal level, in any business, rather than sending an immediate 'cold' invite asking you to "like" a business page when you may not know anything about the company.  So reaching out to people is the best and most effective way to connect with others.

At the end of the day, we all pretty much live in survival mode, trying to provide for our families and striving to make ends meet in a way that is most pleasurable and beneficial to our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.

We are all doing our best with what we know, and we're doing what we do best. 

So be mindful of being triggered by all the direct sales people you meet or the posts you see; your reaction is always a reflection of your inner world. If something effects your energy, there might be something below the surface that needs to be addressed.

Remaining as an observer in the game of life will bring you inner freedom and peace. Observe without judgment and keep your focus on creating your own happiness and success. 

"What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us."
~ Julia Cameron

The body is a complex system far beyond our understanding.

Designed to beautifully repair and heal and to feel and express, it is the perfect balance of outward and inner healing, expression, and growth and yet we can get caught perceiving the body with simplicity and tunnel vision at times.

Humans are able to acknowledge that animals are energy beings, picking up on the energy of their herd and yet so often we do not perceive ourselves as energy beings to its full depth.  We may be able to recognize sensing when someone is having a bad day, but we write it off as reading his or her body language or tone of voice. All surface type observations, but the truth is you were picking up on their energy.  In fact if you were in tune coming into the room, you likely picked up on it before they even said a word.

Consider, where do these energies go? Are they held anywhere? Are they floating around us, within us? Our lack of understanding and lack of inquisition leaves us hovering on the surface; it is with inquisition that we achieve depth of understanding, which can lead to depth of healing.

It is my hope to introduce a deeper connection and understanding between you and your body’s abilities. It is then that we reach the foundation of the body and soul, where full body healing can take place.

Healing from the inside out

I often get asked, “Why can’t I heal.”

I believe with all of my heart that anyone can heal, when they are ready. The most unaddressed and neglected part of healing is the healing of our emotional wounds.

The number one debate that occurs at the beginning of exploring my client’s symptoms and their emotional triggers is what came first, the chicken or the egg? The truth is, everyone’s story is different, but here is what I do know, everything is cause and effect. In other words, if you cannot sleep at night, there is no such thing as “I just can’t sleep”; we need to connect with the body and go a little bit deeper. There is either an emotional or physical imbalance and there is no supplement or pharmaceutical that can cure “I just can’t sleep.” You deserve more self-connection, self-love and self-analysis than that.

An example of this is I had a client come to me who was suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. She was a perfect example of doing all the 'right' things and not seeing progress. Taking all the supplements and eating the cleanest and greenest of foods was providing only some relief.

As we dove in deeper in session one week, we uncovered that in her past marriage her husband would wake her in the night, was physically and sexually abusive and if she did not co-operate, he would abuse their children. Studies are now showing that memories can be held within the nucleus of the cell. In my client’s case, interestingly her pains radiated only through her pubic bone and legs. Cellular memories of physical abuse were now manifesting themselves and became a contributing factor to her Fibromyalgia pain. We also discovered that she wasn’t sleeping at night because she had been programmed in the unconscious mind that it was unsafe, leaving her sleepless, weak and in a state of chronic fatigue.

This greatly changed our healing program for her and we went on to focus on healing these deep wounds, developing practices and creating environments where safety was felt in conjunction with supporting the physical body in healing.

The point is we have to address the physical and emotional bodies in order to heal. Focusing on the chicken or the egg coming first is simply a distraction by the protective ego from doing the work that needs to be done.

Understanding our symptoms

The symptoms of our body are often looked upon as the enemy, or are quickly dismissed, as “ah, it’s just my old body.” The truth is these are little messengers coming from the body expressing an imbalance and are an invitation to rise to the occasion to support your body in healing. The trouble is society has trained us to believe that symptoms are “normal”, aging isn’t supposed to be pretty or pain free and there is nothing you can do about it, not true.

The language of our body feels complex, it feels confusing and we often don’t feel qualified enough to figure it out, but there is no better person in the driver’s seat than you. No one can feel, hear or see your symptoms more clearly than you. The trick is to seek out guidance, listen closer and be willing to uncover the messages from your body.

A fabulous book that I draw on daily in my practice is “Messages From The Body” by Michael J. Lincoln. This fabulous book dives into the emotional connection behind your physical ailment. It is the most specific and accurate book I have found to date. As an example you could look up “left lower back pain”, most books of this nature would only indicate “back pain”.

In my practice I teach my clients how to love and trust their guts by healing digestive and emotional imbalances. Below are small excerpts as seen in the book of some of the top physical symptoms I see and their underlying emotional connection from the book by Michael J. Lincoln.
 
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

Flatulence

Something in their current situation is generating a gripping fear and as yet undigested ideas, along with a sense of responsibility-overload and the associated resentment…”

Bloated

“Holding on.” They are not letting go of something or someone, out of resistance to changes. They are hanging on to the past for fear that if they let go, something awful will happen.  They feel like they are carrying a heavy load on their shoulders, an overload of responsibility. They want to share the load, but they are afraid to ask…”

Bowel Problems

“No Dumping.” They have a fear of letting go of the past. They have a rigid, cautious and controlling approach to life, in which they are deeply afraid to let go of.
Or
“Control freak.” They are hell bent to stay in control of every situation they encounter. “They are totally resistant to any form of delegation or release of the throttle in any situation.”

There are times where the emotional connection doesn’t resonate, and that is just fine, but we have to explore and consider all contributing factors.

CRAVINGS

Another book I draw on is Constant Cravings by Doreen Virtue. A delightful read with insights into the emotional connection behind cravings for certain foods. Let’s explore a few:

Toast with peanut butter

“Tired of not having enough fun. Fed-up with always putting self last.”

Chips: (potato or corn)

“You feel stressed or anxious, and you want to ease your worry. Also, a desire for validation.”

Coffee

“Energy drain from engaging in activities that are meaningless or intimidating to you. Burnout, resentment, or disappointment with your job.”

These are also complimented with affirmations to help redirect the wandering mind.

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

While there can be emotional connections behind our cravings, there can also be a physical nutrient deficiency causing the body to crave certain foods. Chocolate for instance is a source of magnesium. According to Health Canada over 40% of Canadians are under consuming their magnesium and the number continues to rise. A chocolate craving can indicate that the body is requiring more magnesium. Refer to this chart to bring clarity to your cravings.

Reintegration of self

The symptoms of our body are truly the key to deeper connection within ourselves. Receiving these symptoms as messages from the body with gratitude changes our relationship with our bodies drastically. You create a sense of whole, as you re-integrate the pieces of yourself that have been ignored or forgotten. A sense of deep connection is established that allows you to leave the powerless victim state, stepping into the empowered soul that you are.

It is time that we rally with our bodies, hear, acknowledge and take action to heal from the inside out. We can do this by addressing the whole and listening to the messages from our bodies.

Alyssa Labrecque

"Always trust your gut. It knows what you head hasn't figured out yet"

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Soul Food Nutritionista

I know you probably think you don't have an ego but the truth is, everyone does.

Your ego is a part of who you are and, when it is in balance, it can be a good thing.

Our ego drives our desire to look good, professional, presentable. Without it, we simply wouldn't care. It can drive us to success and to achieve what we want in life. It helps build our confidence and reminds us that we are good enough, and that we are amazing!

Ego also inspires a leader’s ability to take charge and to take initiative.

I'm sure you've heard yourself say, "This isn't my ego talking here but..."  That's an unconscious understanding that an ego exists within you.

But when our egos aren't in balance, it can cause us to be insecure, judgmental, and unforgiving.

How do you know when your ego isn't in balance?

• You are quick to judge others and you feel inferior to them.
• You engage in frequent drama, gossiping and pointing out what you perceive to be 'wrong' in others.
• You have a belief that you are better than everyone else; a balanced ego is having the understanding that you ARE awesome, but you don't think you're better than others.
• You talk mostly about yourself and lack a general awareness of others and asking about them and how they are.
• You don't like seeing others succeed, even your own friends or family.
• You tend to point fingers and blame others when something doesn't go right; your 'ego' refuses to be wrong.
• It can make you live in a state of low self confidence, especially if you find that you often compare yourself to others.
• Ego can be stubborn and doesn't forgive easy, or at all. ​

So how do you balance your ego to a healthy state?

• Give up the need to be right.  You can't possibly always be right, can you?
• Listen to others.  It is said that when speaking with someone, it's important to listen 80% of the time and speak 20% of the time. 
• Encourage and support others and applaud their successes.  Celebrate with them gracefully.
• Be aware if your ego is fragile or confident. Do you get hurt and offended easily or do you stay high in self confidence and self awareness?
• Develop the ability to better understand others.  Ask questions, be curious of those around you, and be interested in what others do.
  
• Practice forgiveness and letting go.

Your ego is a key to your self development and self awareness so it's important to ensure that it is healthy and balanced. When we release control and any denial of who we are, it offers an interesting and new feeling of freedom.  You give light to what's within you. We can't change what we don't acknowledge and if you want to work on balancing your ego, first understand your ego exists.  

Acknowledgment and responsibility create change.

"Try to understand the ego. Analyze it, dissect it, watch it, observe it, from as many angles as possible. And don't be in a hurry to sacrifice it, otherwise the greatest egoist is born: the person who thinks he is humble, the person who thinks that he has no ego."
~ Osho

Infertility can be caused by a number of health conditions ranging from endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, low sperm count, hormone and cervical issues, as well as other conditions, known and unknown.  In fact, a cause of infertility cannot be found in approximately 20% of all cases.

I am a firm believer that stress can cause a magnitude of health issues, but can it cause infertility issues?  I certainly believe so.  The internal response of infertility can cause additional stress on our mental, emotional and physical health.  When we experience copious amounts of stress, our coritsol levels are affected, which can wreck havoc on our hormones levels, thus throwing our bodies off balance. 

High amounts of stress can also raise cortisol levels at night, which can cause insomnia. We require proper sleep for our bodies to work efficiently, and if we become 'imbalanced' internally, it can prevent optimal functionality, therefore possibly preventing conception. 

Adrenal Fatigue can also be factored into fertility issues. Adrenal Fatigue is caused by prolonged stress and it causes our Adrenal Glands, which are located above our kidneys, to become depleted.  When our Adrenal Glands are depleted, we can experience lower back pain, frequent trips to the bathroom at night, and the inability to deal with stress.   You may also find that even after sufficient hours of sleep, you still feel extremely tired.  Because the body works as a whole, if one thing becomes off balance it can cause many things to be off balance.

So how can Reiki help with infertility issues? 

I have treated several clients who originally came to me for Reiki Energy Healing to relieve  stress levels, not  infertility.  Without my clients sharing the reason for their stress, I could 'feel' their underlying concern.  After sharing my intuitive insight with my clients, they were surprised to hear I could sense their emotional despair regarding their infertility issues.

I began to work with my clients to relieve their stress by using the natural method of Reiki Energy Healing.  After relieving tremendous amounts of stress through Reiki, it put their mind at ease and their body back into balance, which allowed it to function properly.  After four sessions, for one of my clients, she was happy to announce that she was pregnant with twins.  Her beautiful boys are now healthy and thriving little children.

Reiki helps relive our minds and bodies of the stress we carry.  It's the act of going within and addressing our worries, fears and the things we hold onto that no longer serve us.  The method of natural Energy Healing, combined with meditation, can have a profound benefit on us spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

After initially discovering how Reiki was able to help my client conceive, I shared this with other woman who were also having issues with conception.  Since then I have helped four women with their infertility issues. I do not have the words to describe how rewarding it is to have been a part of their journeys. Some of these clients were receiving IFV treatments (In Vitro Fertilization), combined with Reiki Sessions. Others were not taking any form medication.  In fact, a client who was receiving IVF commented that she was told by her doctor that her egg count and the survival rate of the eggs was much higher than the average woman receiving IVF treatments.

It's amazing how stress and prolonged stress can have such a major impact on our health, however, when you relieve yourself of stress through different healing methods and therapies,  it can truly change the health of our over all well-being. 

Have you ever heard of people who went on vacation and "miraculously" conceived after having issues for many years?  On vacation you are at ease and stress-free.  By not trying to control things, everything flows naturally and organically.  And we've all met a couple who decided to "stop trying", only to became pregnant once they stopped trying to control the outcome.  By letting go, they also released the stress connected to the emotional experience of infertility and the high expectations they placed on themselves and their partners.

While Reiki Energy Healing may not help everyone with infertility issues, it's definitely worth a try. If you are having issues with infertility, please connect with someone who works with Reiki Energy Healing in your area.  Get a feel for the person and trust your gut, you never know how it could change your life.

“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”  

~ B.K.S. Iyengar

We all desire to stand out in a crowd, to be recognized for our unique gifts, valuable skills, and talents.  But how do we stand a chance to stand out in a world saturated with so many people doing the same thing?

Here are six tips PLUS two terrific tips from social guru Tammy Hudgin on how to effectively market yourself and stand out in the crowd.

1. Stay true to you. Your authenticity alone will set you apart from the crowd.  Not being true to who you are at heart only hides your unique personality. Never be afraid to shine!
2. Build relationships.  One of the most important things you can do is build genuine relationships with your current and potential clients/customers.  When you connect with your clients, you make them feel important, because they are important. Spend time getting to know them, ask questions, be curious, and reach out to them and check in every once and awhile.  They will appreciate you even more.
3. Invest in yourself.  Don't stop learning, growing, and bettering yourself in every way possible. When you grow, your business grows. So whether it's taking courses, reading books, or attending workshops, self development will be vital to your success.  The best investment you will ever make is in yourself.  When you invest in yourself, you're investing in the value and knowledge you have to give to others.
   
4. Network and connect with others in your community.  By connecting within your community you will find support, encouragement, and guidance from others. Building relationships with your peers may also lead to referrals and friendships.
5. Give your clients valuable information. Think of the amazing things you can offer that would add value to the lives of others. The more you give, the more you receive.
6. Don't fear competition.  In truth, the only competition you have is with yourself. It's important to strive to be better than the person you were yesterday. When you 'fear' losing clients or customers to your 'competition' you instantly put that out into the Universe, and surely the Universe will comply, so be mindful of your thoughts.
   

Tammy Hudgin is a master of social media and shares her gift of value, time and energy to her clients and community.  She shared with me two tips that she gives her clients to help get their presence seen and known.

1. Showcase your personality in the visuals you use for Social Media. Create fun, animated-type photos of yourself. Think about what messages you can send by the look on your face or by using your hands where you can.
2. Write your own personal quotes and thoughts that provide value and showcase your mind and personality. Use these on pictures of yourself, pictures you have taken, or check out www.pexels.com for free stock photos.

Want to learn more from Tammy?
Connect with her on Facebook & Instagram!
Facebook Page -- Creating Your Presence
Instagram -- Tammy Hudgin
Visit Tammy's Website!